Head Chef - London

Compass Group UK & Ireland; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes

Wider healthcare benefits

Exclusive travel discounts

Cash rewards for spending

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Job summary

Compass Group UK & Ireland is looking for a Head Chef for Lodestone House in Greater London. You will lead a team in delivering exciting and nutritious food across various outlets, ensuring our reputation for quality culinary service is upheld. We offer a supportive environment to enhance your career.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent culinary skills, strong communication abilities, and a passion for food. The role provides a great work-life balance, development opportunities, and a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Excellent culinary and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage staff calmly and inspirationally.
• Understanding of profit margins, budgeting, and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Lead catering services across multiple outlets.
• Plan and organize food preparation and cooking.
• Ensure food safety and health protocols are followed.
• Implement budgetary controls on kitchen costs.

Skills

Culinary skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Job description

Fantastic opportunity at a prestigious Independent School.

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Term time only
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

Please note: This role is contracted to 42.6 weeks per year

What you'll be doing:

Lodestone House is the leading provider of catering and support services to Independent Schools in the UK. We provide innovative catering, hospitality and food service by creating imaginative menus delivered with an exceptional service.

We nurture and develop our teams to enrich their skills which allows them to show their passion and inspiration that as a company we are proud to encourage.

You will be leading a team who share the same passion for preparing exciting fresh and nutritious food on a daily basis. This is a complex, busy and multi-facetted environment that also offers a great work life balance.

In return we offer support and development to grow within our business alongside a competitive salary.

More about the role:

• Delivery of a range of food and catering services across a number of outlets in a complex, busy and multi-facetted environment
• The HeadChef will plan, organise and direct the preparation and cooking of food ensuring that the company’s reputation for quality is enhanced with customers and clients at all times
• Taking responsibility for the food production with a hands‑on approach
• Driving sales through centrally driven menu planning and promotions and preferred suppliers
• Responsible for all aspects of food safety, HSE and COSHH
• The HeadChef will also be required to implement and maintain food monitoring procedures to facilitate budgetary control and to monitor all costs involved in the kitchen against agreed budgets.

Who you are:

• Excellent and Innovative culinary and presentation skills
• Excellent Communication and Interpersonal skills
• Energetic with a passion to do a great job
• Able to manage staff in a calm, inspirational manner
• A forward-thinker who can prevent wastage
• Demonstrates a passion for food
• Team Player
• Excellent organisation skills
• Numerate and computer literate with an understanding of financial drivers
• A clear understanding of profit margins, purchasing policy, budgeting and food costing, including control

Job Reference: com/1706/92404001/52814763/SU #Lodestone House

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!